Yara's Crop Nutrition podcast Yara

How important is the thin layer of crust on earth that we call soil? Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomy, and soil science expert Professor John Havlin help us understand. Dr. Havlin's work has not only revolutionized grape cultivation in North Carolina but also advanced sustainable farming practices worldwide.
In this episode, we discuss the evolution of soil fertility practices, the impact of nutrient management on crop quality, and the significance of long-term agricultural trials. We'll also delve into Professor Havlin's intriguing research on wine grapes and how soil health drives the growing wine industry in North Carolina.
Nutrient management can become an opportunity for environmental stewardship.
Some Takeaways:
Soil science is crucial for sustainable agriculture and the future of food production. Nutrient management and long-term trials play a significant role in improving farming practices. The book 'Soil Fertility and Fertilizer' has evolved over the years to address changing agricultural practices and environmental concerns. There is a need for more young people to pursue careers in soil science and agriculture. Teaching quantitative skills in soil science is a challenge but essential for understanding the science behind soil health and fertility. The work with wine grapes in North Carolina has been the most exciting and rewarding for John Havlin. Nutrient management, particularly nitrogen application, plays a crucial role in improving the quality of wine grapes. Soil health and fertility are essential for successful grape growing. The grape industry in North Carolina has grown significantly in the past few decades. Dr. Havlin holds the position of professor and extension specialist in Crop & Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University. He has also served as the past president of the Soil Science Society of America. Dedicated to raising awareness about soil's crucial role, Dr. Havlin's efforts have contributed to the establishment of the House of Representatives Soils Caucus and a $4 million educational exhibit at the Smithsonian, which opened in 2008. This exhibit aims to educate the museum’s six million annual visitors on how soil is fundamentally connected to human health, environmental sustainability, and planetary well-being.
To learn more check out these links:
Document for the Carolina Geological Society (2022) Journal article summarizing some of our vineyard nutrient management research (2022), which will serve as the basis for an Extension product coming out later this year. 

In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast is a little different.  We talk with Taylor Chalstrom, the dynamic managing editor of My Ag Life and host of the My Ag Life podcast.  My Ag Life is a cornerstone resource dedicated to enriching the agricultural community in the Western United States with cutting-edge information. We talk about crucial topics such as soil health, the emerging role of biostimulants, advancements in agricultural technology, the intricacies of integrated pest management, and the criticality of effective water management. 
Links and Resources:
My Ag Life Podcast Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast Subscribe Link Connect with Us:
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Dr. Jim Camberado discusses nitrogen use efficiency in crop production. Dr. Camberado shares his experience working with crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and the challenges in executing nitrogen use efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of nitrogen use efficiency due to the dynamic nature of nitrogen in the soil and its impact on crop productivity. Dr. Camberado also addresses misconceptions about nitrogen use efficiency and provides insights into optimizing nitrogen application during uncertain pricing.  



 Dr. Camberado's achievements include significant awards from the American Society of Agronomy and impactful roles at both Purdue and Clemson University.
Dr. Camberato's work focuses on developing and disseminating nutrient use recommendations to enhance agricultural productivity. As a member of leading societies like the Soil Science Society of America, his expertise is invaluable to the farming community. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of nitrogen management with an expert in the field.
Useful Links:
Perdue University's Soil Fertility site Some of Dr. Camberado's publications

What does it take to grow the perfect grape? Find out in today’s episode with Stan Grant, a vineyard specialist with decades of experience in the grape-growing industry. We discuss Stan's journey into grape growing, the biggest issue in grape nutrition, balancing yield and quality, changes in grape growing practices, creating a crop nutrition plan, differentiating grape varieties for wine, table grapes, and raisins, the challenges and future of the grape industry, and Stan's publications and speaking engagements.
 
Takeaways Grapevines require a balanced approach to nutrition and stress management to achieve high-quality yields. Mechanization and precision fertigation have revolutionized grape growing practices, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Different grape varieties are cultivated for wine, table grapes, and raisins, each with specific production goals and management practices. The grape industry faces challenges such as labor shortages, water availability, and disease management, but innovation and efficiency can help overcome these obstacles. Stan Grant's expertise and contributions to the grape industry have been instrumental in raising the level of knowledge and improving practices. Useful Links that we mentioned
Lodi Growers Idaho Wine Commission

In recent years, we have seen a rise in soil acidification.  Today's episode discusses the causes, signs, and effects of soil acidification, as well as strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and prevention (MAP). Joining Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen is Dr. Clain Jones, renowned Montana State University Extension soil fertility specialist and Dr. Manbir Rakkar, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University who help us understand the significance of soil pH changes.
 
Soil acidification can be caused by natural factors such as high rainfall and unbuffered rock, as well as human activities like nitrogen fertilizer application. Signs of soil acidification include stunted plant growth, nutrient deficiencies, herbicide damage, and increased fungal disease occurrence. Regular soil testing is crucial for monitoring soil pH and detecting acidification. Alternative methods for soil pH testing, such as pH sticks and remote sensing technology, can also be used. Preventing soil acidification can involve improving nitrogen use efficiency and incorporating legume crops or perennials into cropping systems. Mitigation strategies include applying lime and changing crop rotation. It is important to manage soil acidification to maintain soil and plant health and prevent long-term yield losses. Variable rate lime application and site-specific monitoring of pH can help optimize lime usage. 
 
Check out the video, "Acidification of Cropland Soil: Impact, Causes, and Solutions" that Dr. Jones created that helps explain the soil acidification issue.
Read the article, "The Implication of Soil Acidity and Management Options for Sustainable Crop Production in Africa"

This episode explores the history, development, and sustainability of the potash industry. We are joined by Dr. Davide Ciceri, who currently leads innovative R&D at AgroPlantae, Inc. and Yara’s Director of Agronomy, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen.
We begin with the origins of potash, which can be traced back to ancient methods of extracting potassium compounds from wood ashes. The conversation then delves into the development of the potash fertilizer industry, highlighting the work of chemist von Liebig and the commercial mining of potash in Germany. The different methods of potash mining, including underground mining and solution mining, are discussed. The conversation also explores the sustainability of potash resources and the potential for alternative sources of potassium. The importance of considering the right source of potassium for specific crops and soil conditions is emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the historical significance of potash and the ongoing research and development in the industry.
Dr. Ciceri wrote an insightful article, “Historical and Technical Developments of Potassium Resources.”
Here are the links to our other episodes on the history of fertilizers:
- The Alchemy of Air with Author Thomas Hager
- The History and Future of Phosphorus for Plants
- An Unsung Hero: Norman Borlaug
Here is a beautiful photo of the potash evaporation ponds near Moab, Utah